Steroidal control of vitellogenesis in crustacea: A new understanding for improving shrimp hatchery production

Abstract

Hormonal control of oocyte maturation in crustaceans is reviewed. The bihormonal control of egg maturation is accomplished by the inhibitory neuropeptides originating in the X-organ/sinus gland neurosecretory system and a host of stimulatory hormonal factors secreted from various sources. Among the gonad stimulatory hormones, steroids play a pivotal role in the control of molting and reproduction in crustaceans. Whereas ecdysteroids control molting, vertebrate sex steroids such as estrogen and progesterone seem to control vitellogenic activities. A protocol to stimulate vitellogenesis and egg maturation in the commercially important marine and fresh water shrimps by combining eyestalk ablation with sex steroid hormone treatment is proposed.